Nursing gives back

From the moment he arrived at Lenoir-Rhyne University, nursing major Hagan Suchocki ’25 has been committed to making the most of his undergraduate experience.

“You have to embrace new experiences and be open to new things when they’ll benefit you – even if it’s different from what other people are doing,” he shared. “College goes by really quickly, and the opportunities you have here may not come around again, so I’ve made it a point to take risks, meet new people, get to know my professors and start conversations.”

During his time at Lenoir-Rhyne, Suchocki has embraced opportunities for leadership and experiential learning. An early member of the Outdoor Adventure Club, he has challenged himself and led others in the wilds of Western North Carolina. He also served in the Student Government Association during his first two years at LR. As a first-year student, he shared his passion for science as a teaching assistant for anatomy classes. In the summer of 2022, he expanded his horizons by studying abroad in Spain, gaining valuable global perspectives.

One of Suchocki’s proudest extracurricular accomplishments was founding the Ideology and Civil Discussion Club that meets every Friday.

“It was inspired by a class discussion about Karl Marx. I enjoyed talking about these ideas without arguing, in a setting that benefitted everyone. I wanted to create a forum where students could do that every week – interact with different viewpoints, read, understand, discuss and develop your own beliefs beyond what parents, friends and media say,” he explained. “We have a new president this year, but I’m still a member. I hope it keeps going after I graduate because we need these conversations.”

Suchocki is a recipient of the Denise Gail Powell Memorial Scholarship, which he credits for giving him access to everything Lenoir-Rhyne has to offer.

“I’ve been lucky to be here, to study abroad and have all these experiences. That wouldn’t have been possible without the tuition support from my scholarship,” he said. “I grew up near Hickory, in Rutherford College, and it has also been a blessing to be able to go to school near my home and family and have their support.”

The Powell Scholarship is designated for students entering nursing or healthcare professions, so it has also prepared Suchocki for his chosen career. He is slated to join the staff at Frye Regional Medical Center in the medical intensive care unit after he graduates.

“I love talking to patients, hearing about their experiences and helping them. The program at LR is excellent preparation. My clinical experiences and practicum were extremely beneficial, and I worked with a preceptor at Frye in community health and public health. I actually just came back from talking to preschool students about building good health habits,” he said. “I feel prepared for my transition from student nurse to actual nurse. I'm excited to start working, but I also see a lot of long-term possibilities ahead. I could come back for the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program or travel – or both!”

This year, Suchocki has been giving back to LR and the nursing program as a tutor for students studying geriatric nursing

“In my first semester at LR, I had some challenges with statistics, so I saw a math tutor who really helped me. If not for her, I’m not sure where I’d be,” he shared. “That inspired me to do the same and help other students who need it.”